Guatemalan Discovery

This terrific introduction to the steamy heart of Central America takes in one of the region's biggest and best-preserved lost Mayan cities, Tikal, as well as lush forest and stunning lakes. The contemporary culture of this vibrant region is equally fascinating and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet local people, buy wonderful handcrafts at vibrant markets, explore beautiful colonial towns and discover the stunning landscapes around them.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary and can be tailored to suit your own personal needs and budget. Click here for more information on our Tailor-made Tours.

Itinerary

Expand all Collapse all

Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Guatemala City

Guatemala was at the heart of the Mayan world and is immersed in history with proud traditions and culture. Many villagers live a traditional life as little changed since pre-Columbian times and they still wear richly-woven costumes, the colours and designs varying from place to place. The scenery is breath-taking - volcanic landscapes, beautiful lakes surrounded by forest-cloaked volcanoes and tropical rainforest, much of which hides vast complexes from ancient civilisations. The Spanish also left their mark, most notably in Antigua with its shady plazas and colonial houses and courtyards.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Day 2 to 2 - Guatemala City tour & Tikal

This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a privately guided tour of Guatemala City. You will take in the Popol Vuh Museum, the Ixchel Museum, the Relief Map and the Civic Centre. Later today you will be transferred to the airport to board your domestic flight to Flores. You will be greeted on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Tikal National Park. Once you have checked in, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal covers more than 200 square miles and was the most important city in the Mayan world. The city flourished between about 200 and 900 AD and has became overgrown by the encroaching rainforest and was lost to the world. In the seventeenth century its existence began to draw global attention and from 1956, the site has begun to be excavated and archaeologists continue to uncover more of the site, increasing the understanding of the history of the civilisations that made Tikal their home.

Included Excursions

Guatemala City Tour

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 3 to 3 - Tikal National Park

This morning you will meet your guide and group and enjoy a tour of the archaeological complex of Tikal. Towering above the jungle canopy, the temples rise through the thick jungle canopy reaching nearly 230 feet. Vast open plazas, towering pyramids and extraordinary carvings and stelae make up the site, some of which date as far back as the fourth century BC. As you walk around, your knowledgeable guide will explain the significance of the structures and the ancient rituals that were once performed in them. Due to its remote jungle location, the site is also a haven for wildlife and as you explore, you will no doubt run into abundant wildlife such as coatis, wild turkeys, howler monkeys and other species. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Included Excursions

Guided Tour of Tikal

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 4 to 4 - Lake Atitlan

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in Flores to board your flight back to Guatemala City. You will be greeted on arrival and transferred to Lake Atitlan – described by some as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Flanked by small towns the region is a tranquil relaxed area of Guatemala and offers a picturesque place to stay. Once you have checked in to your hotel in the town of Panajachel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 5 to 5 - Lake Atitlan

Today you will enjoy a private scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (approximately 30 minutes), to the village of San Juan La Laguna. Here you will visit the women’s textile cooperative and see hand weaving and the natural dye process. You will also visit the studios/homes of the celebrated naïf painters and learn about their fascinating work. You will then continue to the village of Santiago where there will be time to have lunch in Hotel Posada Santiago (not included). You will then continue with the tour and learn about the Maya God Maximon, local textiles, spiritualism and the beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. Once back at your hotel in Panajachel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Included Excursions

Lake Atitlan boat ride

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 6 to 6 - Chichicastenango Market

This morning you will travel towards the heart of the Guatemalan highland, driving through incredibly colourful landscapes. You will see indigenous people wearing their typical clothing, hillsides planted with vegetables and flowers, and towns that have been captured in the paintings and crafts made by local artists.

In Chichicastenango you will visit the multi-coloured market and learn about its traditions. This experience is a sensory visit, where you can learn about the ancient, indigenous culture and the local vendors- from the sweet smelling incense sellers to the brightly coloured textile makers. This afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel in Antigua where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Antigua has been described as an open-air museum the city is a colonial gem with stunning architecture, impressive ruins and quaint buildings at every turn.

Included Excursions

Chichicastenango Market

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 7 to 7 - Antigua

Today you will be collected from your hotel for a guided tour of Antigua, taking in the main highlights. You will visit the Arco de San Catalina which was built to keep nuns from sight when their convent expanded to the building across the street. You will see the San Francisco Church, built in 1542. It is the oldest functioning church in the city. On a sunny day, the vibrant yellow paint and intricate white carvings of La Merced Church are stunning. The attached monastery houses a huge fountain in the shape of a water lily, a symbol from the Maya indicating that the ancient religions were incorporated into Catholicism.

When you have had your fill of history, you will head out to the local market on the fringes of the old town. You can find almost anything you may need here and a few things you may never have thought of as well. You will also visit the Chocolate Museum where you will be able to see the process of taking the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. Finally, you will travel to the La Azote Coffee Farm and the Mayan Musical instruments Museum. The evening is at your leisure.

Included Excursions

Antigua tour

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 8 to 8 - Antigua

Today has been left free for you to explore Antigua further at your own pace.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 9 to 9 - Depart Guatemala City

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport in Guatemala City, in time for your international flight.

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

What's Included

Excursions & Activities

Guatemala City Tour

Guided Tour of Tikal

Lake Atitlan boat ride

Chichicastenango Market

Antigua tour

Accommodation

8 night(s) in hotels

Transportation

Travel by 2 flight(s), Private Vehicle

Meals

8 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

What's Not Included

Visas and travel insurance

International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes